TaylorMade Qi4D Hybrid Review

I carried the same hybrid in my bag for a decade before switching it out for a 7 wood a couple of years ago, but the adjustability options available on some of the best golf hybrids now, plus the extra distance on offer from newer models compared to my trusty old gamer, has given me pause for thought as I probably could carry both a hybrid and 7 wood now without them cramping each other's style.

One of the best adjustable hybrids I’ve tested this year is the Cobra Optm which has a whopping 33 different loft and lie combinations. The TaylorMade Qi4D Rescue by contrast is a little more restricted than that, but does allow the user to go up or down by 1.5° from the standard setting, so I was keen to see what it could do and whether it would be a contender to go into my bag this year.

The Qi4D range of drivers, fairway woods and hybrids continue the impressive work we’ve seen in recent years with the Qi10 and Qi35 offerings. The Qi35 core hybrid was one of the best products we tested in 2025 so there were some big shoes to fill, but I’m happy to report that the Qi4D Rescue didn’t disappoint.

Unlike last year, TaylorMade is offering three models of hybrid rather than just two. In addition to the standard Qi4D there is the Max version, as well as the Max Lite which is aimed at golfers with slower swing speeds who need a little help with launch and distance.

I tested both the standard Qi4D (19°) and the Qi4D Max (20°) Rescue clubs, but this review focuses on the standard model.

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The Qi4D hybrids are built around a multi-material construction that blends 450 stainless steel with an ultra-lightweight carbon fibre crown. This frees up discretionary mass, allowing the centre of gravity to be positioned for consistent carry yardages and a steep, controlled landing angle.

As stated above, adjustability is a key strength of the Qi4D design. An 8g Trajectory Adjustment System weight lets golfers fine-tune flight, spin, and swing weight, while a 3° loft sleeve allows further optimisation of loft, lie, and face angle. Together, these features make it easier to dial in preferred ball flight and gapping, while the balanced CG promotes workability and precision.

The Qi4D hybrid also incorporates proven technologies from previous TaylorMade line ups. A cut-through Speed Pocket helps reduce spin and maintain ball speed on low-face strikes, while Twist Face corrective face curvature tightens dispersion on mis-hits, ensuring reliable performance even when contact isn’t perfect.

The design is simplistic and stylish, typified by the plain yet sophisticated look of the head cover. The head features a refined multi-material design, combining a sleek stainless-steel body with an ultra-light carbon fibre crown for a subtle, high-tech two-tone look. Branding and graphics are kept to a minimum on both the crown and the sole, which for me is always preferable to bold colors or busy detailing.

One change everyone will spot is the new alignment graphic which takes the form of a vertical dash instead of the T-bug logo from the Qi35. I'm on the fence over whether I prefer it - it's certainly more subtle while still doing a good job of showing where the center of the face is. Regardless, it's a very inviting hybrid to look down on.

Sound and feel is exactly what you would expect from a TaylorMade product. Both of these things are subjective of course, but personally when it comes to feel and sound I can rarely fault TaylorMade.

The performance on the range was impressive. The Qi4D in its standard setting (19°) delivered higher ball speeds than any hybrid I have tested so far this year, while the carry distance gave me a good five yards more than I would usually get from a comparable lofted hybrid.

Approach play is my primary focus with hybrid clubs as I’m not a long hitter, which often means I’ll find myself reaching for a hybrid or fairway wood for approach shots on short par fives or long par fours. The Qi4D delivered a high flight, while the spin numbers were such that I would have no concerns about being able to hold greens with this club, even in firm summer conditions.

With an average carry distance of 180 yards in the standard setting, I could definitely find room in my bag for the Qi4D as with a little tinkering on the adjustable loft sleeve I could even squeeze out a few more extra yards, which would put it perfectly between my 5 wood and 7 wood in terms of gapping.

One slight concern I had with the Qi4D was that a number of shots were drifting a little to the right, which isn’t my normal shot shape with hybrids or higher lofted fairway woods. Initially I assumed it was just something that must have crept into my swing on the day, but when I switched to the Qi4D Max the right miss virtually disappeared.

So in terms of dispersion the Max was a better option, but then that’s to be expected given it is designed for more forgiveness and the target market is more the mid-high handicap range. I would say that the standard Qi4D will appeal to the better ball strikers, but I wouldn’t pigeon hole it as a club for lower handicap players, as personally I would have no problem putting it in my bag and I am not a single figure player.

In terms of on course performance, I loved the Qi4D off the tee as I found the flight to be more penetrating than that of the Max, which was a bit high and spinny for me. Both clubs were excellent from the fairway, but out of the rough I would give a slight edge to the Max model, where I think the rear weighting really comes in handy.

All in all I love this hybrid and while the Max is slightly more forgiving, I think the adjustability on offer from the core Qi4D model will make it more appealing for the majority of golfers.

Qi4D hybrids are available in lofts of 2 (17°), 3 (19°), 4 (22°) & 5 (25°) and can be preordered now before they go to retail on January 29th at a cost of $299.99 in the US and £269 in the UK.